Isaiah 50 4

Isaiah 50:4 kjv

The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.

Isaiah 50:4 nkjv

"The Lord GOD has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear To hear as the learned.

Isaiah 50:4 niv

The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.

Isaiah 50:4 esv

The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.

Isaiah 50:4 nlt

The Sovereign LORD has given me his words of wisdom,
so that I know how to comfort the weary.
Morning by morning he wakens me
and opens my understanding to his will.

Isaiah 50 verses

Isaiah 50 4 meaning

Isaiah 50:4 describes the mission and preparation of the Lord's Servant. This Servant is endowed by God with the divine gift of speech—a "tongue of those who are taught" (or a skilled tongue). The purpose of this gift is to minister compassionately and effectively to those who are spiritually or physically weary, providing sustaining words of comfort, encouragement, and truth. The verse also highlights the Servant's continuous and deep communion with the Lord, as God consistently awakens and prepares the Servant's ear each morning to receive divine instruction, fostering an attitude of teachability and obedience crucial for their mission.

Isaiah 50 4 Context

Isaiah 50 is part of the "Servant Songs" (Isa 42:1-9, 49:1-13, 50:4-9, 52:13-53:12), which describe a mysterious figure chosen by God for a redemptive mission. In chapter 50, the Servant speaks of his complete reliance on the Lord (vv. 4-5) and his unwavering resolve despite suffering and opposition (vv. 6-7). This chapter serves as a stark contrast to rebellious Israel, whose refusal to hear and obey God led to judgment (vv. 1-3). The Servant exemplifies perfect obedience and trust, highlighting a path to redemption distinct from Israel's past failures. Historically, the book of Isaiah addresses both pre-exilic warnings and post-exilic hopes, often pointing to a future Messiah who would fully embody the Servant's characteristics. This verse, therefore, bridges the immediate needs of Israel with the ultimate redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 50 4 Word analysis

• The Lord GOD (אֲדֹנָי יְהֹוָה - Adonai YHWH): A powerful dual name for God. Adonai signifies sovereign Master, while YHWH (the unpronounceable divine name, often rendered "Lord") emphasizes God's covenantal faithfulness and self-existence. It highlights the absolute authority and covenant loyalty of the one who equips the Servant.
• has given me (נָתַן־לִי - natan-li): "Given to me." Emphasizes that the ability is a divine endowment, not an acquired human skill or inherent talent. It's a gracious impartation from God.
• the tongue (לְשׁוֹן - leshon): Literally "tongue." In this context, it symbolizes the faculty of speech and communication. It represents the ability to articulate, instruct, and minister through spoken words.
• of those who are taught (לִמּוּדִים - limmudim): Derived from lamad, meaning "to learn, teach, discipline." Signifies a skilled or disciplined tongue. It's not a self-taught ability but one developed under divine instruction and discipline. It suggests an attentive, teachable spirit that receives from God.
• that I may know (לָדַעַת - lada'at): "To know, to perceive, to understand." Not merely intellectual knowledge, but a practical, empathetic understanding and wisdom necessary for the specific task. The purpose of being taught is for practical application.
• how to sustain (לָזוּן - lazun): From zan, "to feed, nourish, provide." Implies not just brief comfort, but enduring sustenance, providing ongoing strength, hope, and life.
• with a word (דָּבָר - davar): "Word, speech, matter, thing." Refers to specific, timely, divinely-inspired communication. It suggests a precise, potent, and authoritative message.
• him who is weary (עָיֵף - ayef): Describes one who is faint, exhausted, or worn out. This weariness can be physical, emotional, or spiritual. It identifies the target audience: those in need of divine intervention, not self-sufficient individuals.
• He awakens me (יָעִיר לִי - ya'ir li): From ur, "to rouse, stir up, awaken." Indicates a divine initiative; God is actively and personally rousing the Servant. It denotes freshness, newness, and readiness to receive.
• morning by morning (בַּבֹּקֶר בַּבֹּקֶר - baboqer baboqer): The repetition emphasizes a continuous, consistent, daily practice. It highlights a life of sustained, intimate communion with God and readiness for His daily instructions, rather than sporadic encounters.
• he awakens my ear (יָעִיר אֹזֶן - ya'ir ozen): "He opens/arouses my ear." Signifies an opened, receptive, and obedient heart, ready to hear and comply. It’s a divine action that makes the Servant particularly attentive to God's voice, overcoming any spiritual dullness.
• to hear (לִשְׁמֹעַ - lishmo'a): "To hear, to listen, to obey." This implies active and receptive hearing with the intent of understanding and obedience, rather than just passively perceiving sound.
• as those who are taught (כַּלִּמּוּדִים - kallimmudim): "As disciples" or "as those instructed." Reinforces the Servant's position as a learner under God, constantly receiving guidance. It means hearing with a student's humility and an apprentice's readiness to apply what is learned.

Word-groups Analysis

• "The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught": This phrase establishes the divine origin and nature of the Servant's speech. It is not natural eloquence, but a Spirit-gifted, supernaturally-honed ability for God's purposes. The "tongue of those who are taught" emphasizes humility and submission to God's instruction, making the Servant a disciplined speaker.
• "that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary": This states the core mission and purpose of the gifted tongue. The "word" is the instrument, "sustaining" is the action, and the "weary" are the beneficiaries. It highlights a compassionate, empowering ministry aimed at revitalizing those who are spiritually, emotionally, or physically drained. The knowledge is practical wisdom, enabling effective help.
• "He awakens me morning by morning; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught": This describes the source and process of the Servant's readiness. It speaks of a constant, fresh, and direct communion with God, implying a deep personal relationship. The daily "awakening of the ear" underscores active, attentive listening, indicating complete reliance on continuous divine revelation and guidance, modeling consistent discipleship.

Isaiah 50 4 Bonus section

The repetitive nature of "morning by morning" suggests not only consistent listening but also a fresh anointing and renewed instruction for each new day's challenges. It counteracts spiritual complacency, implying that yesterday's revelation is not enough for today's tasks. This daily "awakening" underscores the active role of God in preparing and commissioning His Servant. The contrast within Isaiah, particularly in the earlier verses of chapter 50, where Israel is depicted as having "dull ears" and a "hard heart," makes the Servant's attentive and teachable spirit even more pronounced as the ideal of spiritual responsiveness. This passage sets a high standard for spiritual leadership, emphasizing that true prophetic or pastoral authority comes from having spent continuous time in the presence of God, learning from Him before speaking on His behalf.

Isaiah 50 4 Commentary

Isaiah 50:4 is a profound self-description of the Lord's Servant, anticipating the character and mission of Jesus Christ. It beautifully intertwines the Servant's divine empowerment, compassionate mission, and unwavering submission to God. The "tongue of those who are taught" implies a speech purified by divine instruction and refined for purpose—not for self-exaltation but for service. This specialized skill is directed towards "him who is weary," showcasing a heart of mercy and a ministry focused on bringing true refreshment and hope to those burdened by sin, suffering, or despair. This sustaining "word" is powerful because it originates from God and carries His life-giving truth. The dual "He awakens me morning by morning; he awakens my ear to hear" paints a picture of intense, consistent devotion and direct discipleship under the Father. It reveals that the Servant's capacity to speak for God stems from a deeper capacity to hear from God daily and with eager readiness, setting an example for all who desire to speak life into others. The passage implies that true ministry flows not from human strategy but from constant divine communion and a teachable spirit.